This month we have the admittedly unexpected pleasure of bringing you a seasonal brew from one of Michael’s favorite Belgian breweries, Antwerp’s De Koninck. Unexpected because we had asked them late last year to get this great beer for the club, and were told that it would not be possible to produce the quantity that we needed in 750 ml. cork-finished bottles – but then magically, our original request was filled and the beer landed with our name on the boxes just a few months ago. A mad scramble to get it all in place ensued, and we are now proud to deliver it to you.

EKU 28 walks the line between a true eisbock and a fortified doppelbock. Its recipe remains a secret, but it is known that while lagering for an astounding nine months, its temperature is dropped until it begins to freeze. However, the brewery claims that the amount of ice left behind is not regarded as being a significant factor in its potency. And while the recipe is under wraps, we do know that the “28” subtitle is a reference to the degrees P...

We decided to feature the EKU Brauerei’s EKU Pils in order to showcase the remarkable variety that exists in beer styles. As you probably know by now as a member of our club, all beer can be broken down into two categories: Ales and Lagers. Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures with yeast that work their magic at the top of the fermentation tank (which is ales are also known as “top-fermented”). The warmer fermenting temperatures that make to...

An ale of distinction, right down to its uniquely shaped brown bottle, this beer has brought the Firestone Walker B.C. its share of medals: Silver Medal at the 2004 World Beer Cup, Gold in 2002 as well as Gold Medals at the 2002 & 2003 World Beer Championships. The English (East Kent Golding) and Slovenian (Styrian Golding) hops impart a clean, balanced bitterness and a fragrant, spicy aroma, while their use of an English ale yeast lends a fruity...

This is a Pale Ale to be reckoned with. Winner of the Gold Medal at the 2004 World Beer Cup and 2003 World Beer Championships as well as silver medals at both the 2003 Great American Beer Festival and the 2002 World Beer Championships. Immediately note the big Cascade hop nose—characteristically floral, almost perfumy, with citrus scents, a result of the extensive dry hopping with Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hops. The flavor presents notes of...

The national drink of England is an ale called “Bitter”, designated as “Ordinary”, “Best”, and “Extra Special Bitter”, or ESB, depending on its strength and body. Since World War II, American soldiers returned stateside knowing bitters as the most popular drink in the realm of British beer drinkers. The word “Bitter” itself is a reference to the hoppy dryness of these beers versus that of milder brews. Bitters always have a signature hoppy drynes...

The Frederick Brewing Company’s Blue Ridge line has won awards for many of the styles they produce, so we snatched up a couple of our long-time favorites from the line. The first is their Porter, which we’ve had at the top of our “favorite porters” list for years. We’re not alone in our affection for this brew. In 1994 it brought home the Bronze Medal at the World Beer Championships. The following year they one-upped themselves by bringing home t...